K7S5A vs. K7S5A Pro

[MrCodeDude]

I'm currently running an XP1800+ w/ regular K7S5A. My uncle wanted a new [cheap] computer so I decided to pick up a XP2000+ w/ K7S5A. When I opened up the K7S5A's box, I noticed it was a newer version. The PCB is now more purplish than it was black and there are 4 USB ports, my old one had 2.

Now, my uncle won't know the difference so I'm wondering if I should switch mobo's, like if the newer one offers a lot more features. I know it has USB 2.0, but other than that, anything else?
-- mrcodedude

 

[Jayczar]

other than USB 2.0 and no legacy gameport
it appears to be the same, maybe they made
some performance or stability fixes.

 

[mrzed]

Doesn't seem ethical, IMO. If you tell your uncle what you are doing and why it would be OK, but then he would probably want the "newer, better one"

It's a slippery slope, there are always going to be family members, work situations etc where they will never notice or need the difference, while you will. But at some point you have to draw the line.

 

[spanky]

will ur uncle need the usb2 ports? if not... then by all means hijack it.

 

[krackato]

I'd say take the newer version with the USB2 ports. Consider it payment for putting his system together. There's no point in letting USB2 ports go to waste.

 

[Cat13]

Question for ya. Did you get one of the combo's from Fry's/Outpost? If so I picked up 2 myself, but I can't get the mb's to work? How are yours?

Thanks!

EDIT: Got the mb's working. Used my older Duron and 1800+ wit hsome crucial sdram. Gonna swap some chips and ram tomorrow to find the culprit.

 

[Cerb]

Well, my dad has built one and the sys works fine (Well, not fine but it's Easy CD's fault, not any hardware), and I just did and upgrade to the pro and it (corss fingers) seems to have fixed my friend's crashing troubles. Given that I could get a 5-port USB 2 card for at or under $25, I wouldn't be worried about which version I had.

So ar the onboard sound seems a bit better, and...it has USB2. That's it. Not enough to be worth the trouble of swapping them, IMO.

 

[MrCodeDude]

I'm building this computer for my uncle practically for free. And by practically, I mean rounding off the components + tax to the next dollar. Meaning if it was like $22.35, I'd just say it was $23. I'm also giving him a free case and power-supply, so I don't find anything unethical about doing it. If I called him and explained what I was doing he wouldn't care, he just wants a new and faster computer. Plus he's getting a free 48X CDRW because of some of the left-overs of my bargain shopping this past week

The question wasn't an ethical issue, it was whether or not I should bother with reinstalling Windows and all for USB 2.0 ports.
-- mrcodedude

 

[paralazarguer]

If I called him and explained what I was doing he wouldn't care

Then this is what you should do. He might want the warranty of the new board.

 

[MrCodeDude]

Originally posted by: paralazarguer

If I called him and explained what I was doing he wouldn't care

Then this is what you should do. He might want the warranty of the new board.

What part of this is not an ethical issue do you not understand? I want to know if it's worth switching out regular board for the PRO version.
-- mrcodedude

 

[paralazarguer]

What part of this is not an ethical issue do you not understand? I want to know if it's worth switching out regular board for the PRO version.

So the purpose of this thread is not to know whether you SHOULD do it but if it's worth doing it? Of course it's worth doing it! Of course it's worth trading an older version of the board for a newer one that runs cooler and has less issues and supports more features and has a brand new warranty. DUH! I'd say the real question being asked was "is it right to steal from my uncle?" (that's what taking without asking is) And the answer is: if you're so sure that he'll be okay with it, just ask him.

 

[Cat13]

I wouldn't say this board will have less issues than the older. They are practically the same board, just added the usb 2. I switched them out and windows detected the changes and installed all necessary drivers no problem. Even the bios is pretty much the same. And I don't think it runs cooler, since they still haven't fixed the heatsink issue. I pulled it off and it is still installed with the double sided tape. I put on another 486 heatsink/fan combo like the others and overclocking works like a champ.

 

[EdipisReks]

Originally posted by: mrzed
It's a slippery slope

just so you know, slippery slopes are considered irrational by logicians.

 

[MrCodeDude]

Originally posted by: paralazarguer

What part of this is not an ethical issue do you not understand? I want to know if it's worth switching out regular board for the PRO version.

So the purpose of this thread is not to know whether you SHOULD do it but if it's worth doing it? Of course it's worth doing it! Of course it's worth trading an older version of the board for a newer one that runs cooler and has less issues and supports more features and has a brand new warranty. DUH! I'd say the real question being asked was "is it right to steal from my uncle?" (that's what taking without asking is) And the answer is: if you're so sure that he'll be okay with it, just ask him.

The thing is, there doesn't seem to be that many changes other than the USB 2.0 compatability with the PRO board. Warranty doesn't matter because you can always buy a new board, take the old board back to Fry's and say it doesn't work. They'll exchange it for the same board, then just return that board

Anyways, thanks for the input Cat13.
-- mrcodedude

 

[MetroFly]

if your uncle needs usb 2.0 then don't jack it. if he doesn't and you want it then jack it. however, if the board in your uncle's comp happens to break down, then i would fix it for him.

 

[bocamojo]

Easy question. The answer is no, it's not worth it. You can always add USB 2.0 later. Other than that, no discernable difference. Certainly not worth the trouble, unless, of course, you like the color better...

 

[paralazarguer]

Warranty doesn't matter because you can always buy a new board, take the old board back to Fry's and say it doesn't work. They'll exchange it for the same board, then just return that board

Some people would call that fraud: a felony.

 

[Johnbear007]

Originally posted by: paralazarguer

If I called him and explained what I was doing he wouldn't care

Then this is what you should do. He might want the warranty of the new board.

He isnt asking for ethical advice, and it's really none of your business.

 

[Johnbear007]

Originally posted by: EdipisReks

Originally posted by: mrzed
It's a slippery slope

just so you know, slippery slopes are considered irrational by logicians.

Which logicians exactly?

 

[Johnbear007]

Oh, and to stay on topic, I wouldnt bother doing it. Alot of headache for usb 2.0